Gender Equality

Gender equality and women’s empowerment are essential for sustainable development.

Equality means that women and men have equal opportunities to exercise their human rights, equal opportunity to benefit from development results and the potential to contribute as actors/ agents to community development.

Of the 70 million children out of school around the world, 70% are girls. Of the more than 790 million adults unable to read and write, 64% are women. One of every three women in our world is a victim of violence. Women do 66% of the world’s work, yet earn less than 5% of their revenue. We know there is work to be done and that’s why gender equality is an important component of all our programming.

WUSC is dedicated to promoting equality between women and men. We know that furthering gender equality and empowering women and girls are essential to make lasting change. We support women’s groups who are leading efforts to achieve equality, and we recognize the important role both women and men play in these efforts.

What the Boys and Men of Dadaab Can Do to Bring Greater Equality for Girls and Women

By Mohammed Abdull Adam

Mohammed Abdull Adam grew up in refugee camps in Dadaab, Kenya. Now a third-year political science student at the University of Victoria, in British Columbia, Canada, here is his view on what men and boys need to change for women and girls to access their right to an education.

It is estimated that 1 in 3 women and girls globally face some form of physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. When we allow gender-based violence to occur, it not only robs women of their human rights, but also hurts families and divides communities. The consequences stemming from these terrible acts can last for generations.

WUSC’s landmark event will take place this year in Montreal as we partner up once again with CECI (the Centre for International Studies and Cooperation) to give you the Great Development Debates. Participants can look forward to an informative and engaging weekend with over 400 people expected to gather at this annual conference event. NGOs, academics, students and development leaders will share best practices and ideas about international development.

By: Nathaniel Athian Deng, former sponsored student and recent grad from the University of Regina.

Today marks the commemoration of World Refugee Day. The day comes with both sad and exciting memories. It not only reminds me of the nine and a half years I spent in Kakuma Refugee Camp, Kenya, without the presence and support of family, it is also a day to look on my accomplishments and achievements as a recent graduate.

Mothers. They provide strength, support and love to their families. They help build communities, businesses and countries. They are also one the most disadvantaged groups in the world. Hundreds of thousands of women die every year due to complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Mothers supporting their families have less chance of finding quality jobs and training programs compared to men. Women and young girls afflicted with HIV and AIDS are often denied proper health care and many HIV-positive mothers and their children are stigmatized and cast out.

Learn more about how the Kenya Equity in Education Program (KEEP) is helping refugee girls achieve their educational goals. This video, made by our partners Windle Trust Kenya (WTK) showcases the economical, social and cultural barriers girls face in accessing quality education and how KEEP is providing youth with the resources and tools needed to succeed.

Education is a powerful tool and without it few of us would reach our full potential. In refugee camps very few girls have the opportunity to pursue their education beyond primary school and without education these young people have no way out.

Let’s Shine a Light on what girls can achieve if they overcome the challenges they face in accessing education in the refugee camps. With your help we can provide these girls with the tools they need to learn, to strive, and to succeed.